Page 41 - Energize April 2022

VIEWS AND OPINION

Solar power offers a viable long-term solution to

power woes for homeowners

BY REIN SNOECK HENKEMANS, ALUMO ENERGY

kyrocketing fuel prices coupled with a growing number of power disruptions are
causing more people to weigh up whether or not to take the plunge and invest in an
Salternative solution such as solar power. But while many believe that solar systems are
prohibitively expensive, these systems offer potentially significant long-term cost savings
with increasingly innovative financing options, says Rein Snoeck Henkemans, Managing
Director at Alumo Energy.
In its latest Medium-Term System Adequacy Outlook, Eskom revised its energy
availability factor (EAF) downwards from 72% to 63%, signalling the high likelihood of
more frequent load shedding for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the National Energy
Regulator of South Africa has recently approved a 9,61% electricity tariff hike which will take
effect from the beginning of April this year.
“Rising tariffs and the decreasing reliability of supply has left many consumers with little
choice but to consider other energy solutions, especially with many households still working
Rein Snoeck Henkemans
from home, which is where solar systems can play a significant role. Rapidly escalating oil
prices have also limited the cost benefits of other alternatives such as generators, which may
seem cheaper in the short-term but carry expenses that quickly add up over time,” he explains. Snoeck Henkemans warns, however,
“By contrast, solar systems are able to deliver steady and reliable power for the lifetime that homeowners seeking solar solutions
of the system after the once-off upfront costs have been paid, or at a fair monthly fee should avoid “fly-by-night” solar installers
when renting. In the long-term, this offers a far more cost-effective option for keeping the with seemingly cheap systems.
lights on, and works to enhance the overall value of your property. Additionally, the system “We’ve encountered numerous
components have generally become more affordable as the technology has evolved and instances where clients have fallen victim
become more commonplace. to unprofessional service providers who
“Finally, the other benefit for households is that as solar technology has evolved, the have incorrectly installed systems, installed
solar panels and components have also become increasingly more effective in delivering systems with poor quality components
power, and more resilient or longer-lasting, enhancing their overall efficiency.” prone to breakdowns and failures, or
He notes that demand for solar is continuing to soar in South Africa, reporting that even installed systems which are not
the company saw a 259% spike in queries in 2021 from 2020 amidst record-high load compliant with national regulations. In
shedding. To make its solar systems more widely accessible, the company has therefore many cases, the client is then unable to
recently expanded its footprint outside Johannesburg and Pretoria to Secunda, Middelburg, claim their money back or receive any
Emalahleni, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, Sasolburg and Rustenburg. post-installation customer service, as the
While many homeowners are concerned about the upfront investment costs involved in provider has disappeared or gone broke,
installing solar systems, Alumo Energy offers innovative financing options such as a rent-to- making it a case of penny-wise but pound-
own system. The company is also an established solar provider accredited by First National foolish,” he says.
Bank, enabling FNB clients to finance the cost of its solar installations through their mortgage. “Rather choose established,
professional providers offering quality
components that offer significantly longer
lifespans and proper after-sales service.
A good quality, properly installed, robust
solar power system should be seen as
a long-term investment and should last
at least seven years without significant
maintenance.”

Contact Alumo Energy,
Phone 012 480-7100, sales@alumo.co.za,
https://alumo.co.za

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